Alhambra

Alhambra is a concert hall in Geneva, housed in a former theatre and cinema, and today one of the city's key venues for live music. Despite the shared name, it has nothing to do with the palace in Granada.

What is the Alhambra in Geneva?

It is a historic building constructed between 1918 and 1920 as a theatre-cinema, designed by architect Paul Perrin. It was originally called the Omnia and took the Alhambra name later. Today it is used mainly for amplified contemporary music: rock, pop, electronic and related genres.

Why is it special?

The hall holds a place in Swiss film history. In 1928 it became the first cinema in the country equipped for sound films, a major change for audiences used to silent pictures accompanied by live music.

Since 1996 the building has been protected as a heritage monument. That status was hard won. In the 1990s a plan to replace it with a car park put it at risk, and a cantonal referendum in 1995 saved it from demolition. Geneva's voters chose to keep a building many still see as part of the city's identity.

What is it like after renovation?

After extensive works the hall reopened. The project cost 25.2 million Swiss francs. Capacity is around 750 people, though the figure varies with the layout and type of event. The renovation adapted the interior to modern concerts while keeping its historic character, with particular attention to acoustics, which matter a great deal for amplified music.

Who runs it?

Since 1 January 2023 the venue has been managed by the association CORALH, to which the city delegated its operation. The programme covers concerts across genres; check the city's or the venue's website for current dates.

Who is it for?

• Live music fans looking for a mid-sized hall with atmosphere.
• Visitors interested in early twentieth-century architecture and cinema history.
• Anyone curious how an old entertainment house was given a second life.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same Alhambra as in Granada? No. It is a separate venue, a concert hall in Geneva that happens to share the name.

When was the building constructed? Between 1918 and 1920, as a theatre and cinema.

How many people does it hold? Around 750, depending on the configuration.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it has been protected since 1996.

What takes place there? Mostly amplified contemporary music concerts. Check the current programme before visiting.